What is collective memory in history?
What is collective memory in history?
Collective memory refers to how groups remember their past. Collective memories may occur at more local levels, too. Families may remember their history or a particular salient event (e.g., a vacation in an exotic locale). Each of us has some sort of collective memory for any important social group to which we belong.
What is cultural memory Jan Assmann?
For Assmann, cultural memory is based on fateful events of the past, on fixed points which he calls ‘figures of memory’ whose ‘memory is maintained through cultural formation (texts, rites, monuments) and institutional communication (recitation, practice, observance)’ (Assman 1995: 129).
Who coined cultural memory?
Jan Assmann in his book “Das kulturelle Gedächtnis”, drew further upon Maurice Halbwachs’s theory on collective memory. Other scholars like Andreas Huyssen have identified a general interest in memory and mnemonics since the early 1980s, illustrated by phenomena as diverse as memorials and retro-culture.
What is the difference between collective memory and history?
The difference between history and collective memory is best understood when comparing the aims and characteristics of each. Consequently, collective memory represents past events as associated with the values, narratives and biases specific to that group.
How long is cultural memory?
Assmann defines two theoretical concepts of cultural memory, differentiating between the long-term memory of societies, which can span up to 3,000 years, and communicative memory, which is typically restricted to 80-100 years.
How is collective memory formed?
Collective memory refers to the shared pool of memories, knowledge and information of a social group that is significantly associated with the group’s identity. Collective memory can be constructed, shared, and passed on by large and small social groups.
How is cultural memory created?
Cultural memory is formed by symbolic heritage embodied in texts, rites, monuments, celebrations, objects, sacred scriptures and other media that serve as mnemonic triggers to initiate meanings associated with what has happened.